The preparation of a training task in football is a crucial part of player development and team success. To achieve effective results and ensure that all necessary aspects are addressed, it is essential to follow a well-structured process.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the 9 key steps that every football coach should follow to design and execute a coaching task in an effective and meaningful way.
These steps will not only help coaches define the objectives to be achieved during the task and training but will also provide them with the necessary tools to create an optimal learning environment for the players.
The 9 steps to follow in designing a task:
1.- Select the Content and Concept
Start by choosing the specific content you want to train. This will depend on the phase of the session you are in. For example, during activation, the focus may be on motor development, while in the main block, the focus will be on Individual and Collective Basic Fundamentals.
2.- Choose the Didactic Strategy (SD)
Select the most appropriate didactic strategy to work on the chosen content and task. The choice of DS should be in line with the objective of the session and the phase you are in.
3.- Determining the Number of Players
Decide how many players will be needed, consider the inclusion of goalkeepers or neutrals if necessary. Make sure to comply with the maximum number of players allowed according to the level of game understanding and the didactic strategy.
4.- Define the Playing Space
Define the configuration of the space, which can change in terms of width or length depending on the pedagogical strategy and the content to be developed. You can also segment the area into different playing areas and establish internal rules to generate particular situations.
5.- Establish the Way to Score
Define how points will be awarded in the game, depending on the didactic strategy used. This may include scoring goals, reaching designated spaces or passing through specific areas.
6.- Establish the Rules of the Game
Introduce rules in the task to influence the situations you want to generate. For example, you can set guidelines such as individual marking all over the pitch to work on tackling for defenders.
7.- Adjust the Gradient of Difficulty
Adjust the level of difficulty as needed during the execution of the task. Make sure it is of medium complexity and be prepared to increase or decrease the level depending on the needs of the session.
8.- Form Questions Around the Content
Anticipate possible player errors and be prepared to ask content-related questions during the task. These questions will help to improve players’ understanding and learning.
9.- Create a Graphical Representation
Once you have established the eight steps above, create a graphical representation of the training task. Make sure that the images and cues are clear and understandable to the players when explaining the exercise.
In summary, by following these nine steps, you will be able to plan and execute training games effectively, tailored to your development objectives and aimed at improving your players’ performance on the field of play.
Click here to download an example of creating a task.
